23 Days Exploring Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand with Elephant Sanctuary

ITINERARY

Day 1: Hanoi | Arrive in Hanoi with VIP Meet and Greet

International Flight: Excluded
Welcome to Vietnam! After you exit the aircraft, an airport representative will greet you with a signboard showing your name. You’ll be processed through immigration in the fast lane and be escorted for luggage pick up and to the welcome area. There our guide and chauffeur will greet you with a local gift and seasonal Vietnamese flowers. You’ll transfer to the hotel in the Old French Quarter for check-in.

After check-in, enjoy a stroll through the Old French Quarter on your own. Feel free to also pick up a souvenir at the night markets or at one of the many trinket shops in the alleys and small roads of this historic part of town.

Turtle Tower in the center of Hoan Kiem Lake

Accommodation: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

Day 2: Hanoi | Leisure Day | Dinner at Cloud Nine

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Today is at your leisure to relax and enjoy the hotel facilities or explore on your own. A chauffeur and vehicle will be on standby for you.

In the evening, our guide will greet you and bring you to Cloud Nine for a Vietnamese dinner fare, while viewing the city lights. Try classic Vietnamese dishes – fresh Vietnamese spring rolls, Pho, Cha Ca Hang Be Grilled Fish and a seasonal dessert.

Accommodation: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

Day 3: Hanoi | Hanoi Highlights | Foodie Tour in the Old Quarter

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
In the morning, you’ll be escorted to see the Tran Quoc Pagoda. This 1,400-year-old temple features ten tiers surrounded by gardens and which also hosts a bodhi tree grown from a cutting of the original Buddhist tree under which Buddha sat. Continue to Hao Lo Prison to see where US prisoners of war were housed during the Vietnam War. Next, you’ll visit the Vietnamese Women’s Museum – learn about women’s suffrage in Vietnam, the role of women in ethnic communities, and the heroines of Vietnamese history. Then visit the highlight of this tour – The Temple of Literature. Oxford University is to England what the Temple of Literature is to Vietnam. This ancient university was erected almost a millennium ago and has hosted many of the most prominent scholars through Vietnamese history. The site features many gardens, pools, buildings, and ancient trees where the best and brightest of Vietnam studied under the guidance of Confucius’s teachings.

Trang Quoc pagoda – 23 Days Exploring Vietnam Cambodia Thailand Elephant Sanctuary

Vietnamese Streed Food

Start the afternoon with the latest craze in Hanoi: Egg Coffee at the original cafe where it began – Cafe Giang(for the less adventurous, other drink options are available). Soak up the local life of Hanoi from your seat while enjoying a pleasant chat. After your cups are dry, begin your walking tour of the Hanoi Old Quarter. Our guide will entertain you with a commentary about the history of the “36 Old Streets and Guilds”.

Throughout the afternoon, you’ll stop to try some excellent Vietnamese street food which may include Pho Cuon(grilled beef and fresh herbs wrapped in rice noodles), Ngo Chien(crispy sweet corn), Bun Cha(BBQ pork in fish sauce with rice noodles, fresh herbs, and spring rolls), Nem Cuon(fresh spring rolls) or some other popular Vietnamese dishes. During the afternoon, you will also visit a local market to see how vendors display their produce, meat, and foodstuffs. Finish the walking tour at Hoan Kiem Lake, a calm lagoon with an old stone tower on an island in the center.

Return to the hotel for evening leisure time.

Accommodation: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

Day 4: Hanoi – Halong Bay | Senses of Lan Ha Bay

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
In the morning, transfer to Tuan Chau Marina with our guide (2.5 hours) to the Heritage Line’s welcome lounge. Then take a quick speedboat transfer to your luxurious floating home before starting your unique journey to explore one of the wonders of nature – Lan Ha Bay and its main island of Cat Ba. Lunch is served in Ylang’s nearly 360-degree light-flooded, elegant restaurant. Enjoy a fine menu of tasty local, international, or vegetarian dishes freshly prepared by the cruise’s culinary team.

Relax on the terrace deck or on your private balcony and soak in the enchanting aura which emanates from the surreal seascape. Enjoy Ylang’s vast wellness and spa facilities while cruising along in the early afternoon. Take a plunge in the pool with infinity-like vistas or choose your favorite treatment from an extensive spa menu.

As the cruise reaches the shore of a small lagoon on Cat Ba Island, you’ll hop on bicycles (electric cart transfers are also available) for a tour along small paved roads towards Viet Hai village. Little has changed in Viet Hai since the ancestors of the 80 households settled here centuries ago. Situated in a valley within Cat Ba National Park and surrounded on all sides by forest and mountains, the locals are isolated from the island’s other villages and towns. The community is self-sufficient, as the residents provide for themselves by working the farms, fishing, or collecting rainwater for drinking. Here you have the unique and authentic opportunity to meet the local inhabitants, learn about the fruits and vegetables are grown in the valley, have a glimpse of the local households, and try some homemade liquors.

On Boat Activities

Back on board, partake in the activities while the cruise sets sail to a tranquil place for an overnight mooring nearby. A tea tasting class is held in the Ylang Restaurant where you may learn about Vietnam’s traditional herbal teas and gain insight into their health benefits. Alternatively, let the cruise pamper you with a spa treatment, opt for a foot massage in the privacy of your suite or gaze upon the beauty of the bay during sunset from the terrace deck.

Lan Ha Bay – 23 Days Exploring Vietnam Cambodia Thailand Elephant Sanctuary

For dinner, choose from a diverse selection of dishes on the menu as the chef prepares a delectable multiple course meal. Afterward, the cruise also offers in the Wellness Studio a guided “singing bowl meditation”, an ancient Tibetan ritual which invokes a deep state of relaxation, alleviates stress, and promotes a better night of sleep.

One of the best ways to spend the evening is to take a seat under the stars on the terrace deck or on your private balcony to embrace the serenity of this surreal landscape. And if you would like to fully immerse yourself in relaxation, the spa is open until late.

Accommodation: Ylang by Heritage Line

Day 5: Halong Bay | Senses of Lan Ha Bay

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Wake up early and join a Tai Chi session on the terrace deck to ease your mind and muscles. Then re-energize yourself from the wide selection healthy or hearty breakfast offerings.

Ylang sails towards the southern tip of Cat Ba Island. Board a tender and visit one of a few remaining authentic floating fishing villages near Ben Beo. This fishing village is home to 300 families living in floating houses and earning a living from fishing and aquaculture, much like their ancestors. Get a close view of how the villagers live and work on the water in this unique community.

Continue on tender towards Ben Beo Pier, where you will come ashore and travel a short distance along scenic island roads to Cat Ba National Park. For passengers craving a bit of exercise, you can try a leisurely and mindful walk (taking the same path both ways) through this lush, jungle-like forest. Cat Ba National Park is designated as a biosphere reserve and hosts over 1,500 plant species, 78 avian, 20 reptilian, and 32 mammalian species including deer, macaques, and civets. Or you may opt to stay aboard and take advantage of Ylang’s facilities.

Kayaking, Swimming or Meditation

During lunch, Heritage Line Ylang resumes sailing northeast through the stony labyrinth of Lan Ha Bay, eventually reaching a secluded spot in the bay. Head to a natural island beach via tender for kayaking, swimming, and optional guided meditation session (snacks and juices are provided). Otherwise, kick back and treat yourself from the wide selection of wellness offerings onboard.

In the early evening, a food carving demonstration is held in the Ylang Restaurant, where the chef demonstrates the Asian art of shaping and transforming fruits and vegetables into various decorative items, some of which are served during your meals.

After dinner, soothe your body and mind and bring your day to a gentle close with another guided “Singing Bowl Meditation” ceremony, or simply unwind on your private balcony while taking in the tranquility of Lan Ha Bay.

Accommodation: Ylang by Heritage Line

Day 6: Halong Bay – Hue | Sunrise in Lan Ha Bay | Flight to Hue

Internal Flight: Included
Meals: Breakfast
Start the day early again with another open-air session of Tai Chi with the first rays of the sun touching the water. Enjoy a light snack with traditional Vietnamese coffee.

This morning, Ylang moors in another quiet spot to offer you one last chance to go kayaking or take a refreshing early morning swim – conveniently from the ship’s platform. Enjoy these final moments to fully take in the senses of the bay. Breakfast is served while cruising back through Lan Ha and Halong Bay towards Ylang’s mid-bay anchoring spot. Enjoy some time to savor the moments of this unique journey while relaxing on comfy sunbeds on the terrace deck.

Bid the crew farewell and then transfer to Hanoi airport for your flight to Hue. Upon arrival in Hue, our guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel for check-in.

Accommodation: Azerai La Residence, Hue

Day 7: Hue | Bicycling to Emperor’s Tombs | Dinner at Ben Xuan Garden House Theatre

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast, take to bicycles through the romantic city of Hue and surrounds. Your journey will bring you to Khai Dinh’s Tomb. On the way, stop to take some photos of the countryside scenery. When reaching Khai Dinh Tomb, start exploring the structure. It is notable for it’s elaborate decorative work and unique architecture, being a mix of a number of architectural styles. The tomb is of a rectangular structure leaning against Chau Chu Mountain in the outskirts of Hue. The side walls are formed by large dragon sculptures. The tomb is home to an imperial audience court, featuring a reinforced concrete steel monument, as well as twelve stone statues representing bodyguards.

Close to the top floor is the Khai Thanh Palace, featuring intricately designed glass and porcelain decorations on the walls. The ceiling of the palace is decorated with nine intricate dragons. The rear room of the palace is home to a temple containing Khai Dinh’s grave, an altar to him as well as a statue of his likeness. After visiting Khai Dinh tomb, continue by bicycle to Tu Duc Tomb. While Khai Dinh’s Tomb is noteworthy for its ornate extravagance, Emperor Tu Duc’s tomb showcases a traditional elegance, and many view it to be the most beautiful of Hue’s royal tombs. Designed by Tu Duc himself, it is said he preferred spending time in these serene grounds than at the palace.

Afternoon and Evening Activities

Enjoy a Hue styled Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant before riding to the last famous imperial tomb today – Minh Mang Tomb. Minh Mang tomb is a standard architectural complex consisting of 40 structures (palaces, temples, and pavilions) designed on a symmetrical axis running from Dai Hong Gate to the foot of La Thanh (The Surrounding Wall) behind the Emperor’s tomb. Local rumor has it that the emperor buried a splendid treasure of gold and priceless valuables somewhere on the large compound. But the secret of its whereabouts followed him to his grave.

Return to the hotel for leisure time in mid-afternoon.

In the evening, transfer to Ben Xuan Garden House Theatre – here you’ll enjoy private dining with live music. Ben Xuan exhibits the royal architecture of the Vietnamese Imperial Era alongside the Perfume River. Painter, musician and host, Huyen, is a descendant of the royalty of Hue and likes to share the traditions passed through generations of her heritage. After this cultural experience, return back to the hotel for leisure time.

Accommodation: Azerai La Residence, Hue

Day 8: Hue | Hue Citadel | Leisure Afternoon | Dinner with Chef Madame Nhu Huy

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

In the morning, you’ll press onward to see the famed Imperial Hue Citadel – the old capital of Vietnam. This Citadel has a moat and wall perimeter 6 miles long. You’ll be able to view it’s vast gardens and structure relics. Then you’ll breach the outer perimeter of the Hue Imperial City. Inside, you’ll see many of the national treasures and structures which have survived the Vietnam War. Venture further inside and you’ll enter the Purple Forbidden City. This city was off-limits to the commoners and only could be entered by the highest officials in the Vietnamese government and royalty. Your driver will meet you on the other side of the city where you’ll then be escorted to a stop at the Dong Ba Market where you can see local fruits and produce for sale.

Lunch at a Royal Residence

Your ventures will take you to lunch at a royal residence. These imperial styled houses near the Royal Citadel feature beautiful gardens, intricate furnishings, and detailed ornaments at every turn. Each dish highlights different aspects of Hue traditional food enjoyed by the royalty. The brilliant food presentation will be sure to leave a fond memory with you of this family-owned garden and restaurant.

After lunch, return to the hotel for some leisure time during the afternoon.

Tonight for a special treat, you’ll enjoy a private gastronomy fare with chef and author Madame Nhu Huy. She will introduce your palate to the “Yin” and “Yang” of Hue royal cuisine. For many generations, Hue was the center of royalty in Vietnam – and it’s dishes reflect the refined tastes of the monarchs. Hue has a rich history in the culinary arts. Try delectable assortments while your host expounds on the history of Hue’s unique food heritage. Return back to the hotel in the evening.

Hue Royal Citadel – 23 Days Exploring Vietnam Cambodia Thailand Elephant Sanctuary

Accommodation: Azerai La Residence, Hue

Day 9: Hue – Danang | Road Trip to Hoi An | Hoi An Ancient Town at Dusk

Meals: Breakfast
Our tour guide will assist with checking you out of your hotel and then you’ll be escorted by vehicle for a scenic ride along the mountain coasts of Vietnam. Start by riding through the mountains, valleys, countryside, and shorelines where you’ll find numerous breath-taking scenes. Feel free to request your driver to stop for photos along the way. Then you’ll continue to a summit where the clouds will meet you. In Chinese, the summit is referred to as “Where the Clouds Meet the Ocean”. After you cross the summit, you’ll approach a steep and narrow descent where you’ll find the scenery surreal. Along the way, there is a stretch of road which overlooks a beautiful bay with a small fishing village, perfect for a Facebook portrait.

As you reach the base, you’ll travel alongside the beaches of Danang where you’ll see hundreds of traditional fishing boats scattered out along the water with beautiful mountains lining the horizon.

Then you’ll approach Hoi An with beautiful countryside, hills, river views, and seaside coasts. Our tour guide and driver will transfer you to Fusion Maia Danang for check-in.

Heritage Ancient Port Town

In the afternoon, transfer with our guide to Hoi An Ancient Town. This town features the 16th-century Hoi An port town in it’s preserved state. You’ll start the day visiting the Museum of Trade Ceramics. This museum houses art and pottery dating from the 1,500s to the 1,700s.

Then you’ll briefly visit the Chua Ong Pagoda, a temple from the 17th century which features China’s influence in the region. You’ll continue through the Ancient Town as the streets take on a magic of their own with old lanterns, French-style houses, intricately carved wooden doors, and more. You’ll take a stroll through the Old Tam Ky House to see it’s imperial styles meshed with French overtures. Continue on to stroll along the river and see traditional boats and locals on bicycles passing by. You’ll then approach the Japanese Covered Bridge. This bridge has connected the Chinese and Japanese sides of town over the waterway for centuries. The old wooden structure has shown amazing resilience for more than 400 years.

At dusk, enjoy walking along the riverside as old colorful lanterns light up the town. After you’ve finished the tour, return to the hotel.

Accommodation: Fusion Maia Danang

Day 10: Danang | Leisure Day | Sunset Dinner in a Nonla

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Morning and afternoon are at your leisure to enjoy the resort facilities or explore on your own. A chauffeur and vehicle will be on standby for you. You may want to explore the shops and markets or stop at a cafe. Hoi An tailors are some of the best in Vietnam.

Fresh and lively Vietnamese cuisine with a commanding view over Monkey Bay and the surrounding mountains. Citron’s private dining booths are in the shape of an inverted Non La floating out over the hillside. Tonight, you’ll enjoy delicious cuisine with splendid views. We’ll return you back to the hotel after dinner.

Accommodation: Fusion Maia Danang

Day 11: Danang | Private Cooking Class with Chef Ms. Vy | Leisure

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Take a boat trip from Vy’s Market Restaurant to Hoi An’s colorful central market. You’ll tour the market with our guide followed by an interesting and informative tour of Vy’s Market Restaurant, watching live cooking demonstrations and food tasting. Then take part in a 2-hour private hands-on cooking class with Ms. Vy. You’ll be provided with recipes you can take home. Return back to the hotel for leisure time.

Vietnamese Spring Rolls – 23 Days Exploring Vietnam Cambodia Thailand Elephant Sanctuary

Accommodation: Fusion Maia Danang

Day 12: Danang – Siem Reap | Leisure | Flight to Siem Reap

Internal Flight: Included
Meals: Breakfast
Today is at your leisure to relax or explore on your own. A chauffeur and vehicle will be on standby for you.

This evening, you’ll transfer by flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival at the airport, an officer with immigration will greet you and take you through express processing. After getting your luggage, meet our guide outside and transfer to Shinta Mani for check-in.

Accommodation: Shinta Mani Villa – Bensley Collection

Day 13: Siem Reap | Vintage Mercedes to the South Gate | Angkor Thom by Bicycle | Dinner at Mie Cafe

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, you’ll hop in a Vintage Mercedes-Benz. Circle around Bayon temple with its giant stone smiling faces and stop for photos with the classic automobile if you like. Return back to the South Gate of the ancient capital where you’ll continue with our guide. (Note: Vintage car will return and a modern vehicle with air conditioning will provide transportation for the rest of the tour. No camera is provided for photos. Please bring your own.)

Enjoy a relaxing cycling tour in the morning in ancient Angkor Thom – a stone city built around the time of Angkor Wat.

The biking tour will start at the South Gate – a photogenic bridge at the gateway of the stone city of Angkor Thom which has made its way into many Hollywood movies. Angkor Thom was the last and most enduring capital city of the Khmer Empire. Enter the stone city and explore shaded trails and ancient monuments. Visit Bayon Temple where you will be surrounded by 216 gigantic stone faces which fame as “Khmer Smile”, you will also visit the Terrace of Elephants, the Royal Palace, and the Terrace of the Leper King. Stop your cycling trip with a visit to the local monastery to chat with monks and see their daily life. Return to the hotel for a leisurely afternoon.

Dinner at Khmer Wooden Villa

This evening, enjoy a tasting menu at Mie Cafe. The restaurant is in a traditional Khmer wooden villa. Chef Pola was born and raised in Cambodia. His keen interest in cuisine was obvious at a young age. He then studied culinary arts in Switzerland and worked with Michelin star chefs on international cruises for half a decade. Missing his homeland, he returned to Cambodia several years ago to begin a unique fusion dining experience: Mie Cafe. His dishes combine many delicacies in Cambodia in colorful and creative presentations. Blue Kep Crab with wild grape jam; Stewed beef ribs; turmeric and sesame Koh Kong scallops; homemade passion fruit sorbet; are just some of the many dishes he has created. After dinner, our guide will return you back to the hotel.

Accommodation: Shinta Mani Villa – Bensley Collection

Day 14: Siem Reap | Water Blessing Ceremony | Killing Fields of Wat Thmei

Meals: Breakfast
In the morning, visit to the local monastery to chat with monks and see their daily life. Then take part in a Water Blessing Ceremony. We will provide a change of clothes for you – a traditional Sarong which you will wear during the ceremony.

On the way back to the hotel, visit The Killing Fields of Wat Thmei where you’ll see the atrocities of the Pol Pot regime. The location is kept by local monks at a monastery which you will also have a chance to explore and start up a chat to see their take on politics and the tragedies of the recent past. Our guide will relay to you about the history of the Khmer Rouge, Pol Pot, and the war. Cambodia is still healing from these atrocities.

Skeleton at Killing Fields – 23 Days Exploring Vietnam Cambodia Thailand Elephant Sanctuary

Accommodation: Shinta Mani Villa – Bensley Collection

Day 15: Siem Reap | Angkor Wat Sunrise | Angkor Heritage by Phalika N

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Before the light of the day, our guide will pick you up from the hotel and transfer you to the front of Angkor Wat Temple. From here, you’ll watch one of the most revered sunrises in the world.

At Angkor Wat Temple, reknown scholar and author, Phalika N, will join you to share the epic stories of Angkor she has discovered in her research. Explore the ruins as she brings the carvings and stories to life, discussing both the politics of the Angkor period and the advances in human rights. Explore the vast temple with your guide bringing to life the stories of Angkor. In the morning, the rays of the light play through the chambers as the morning haze settles and giving the temple a mystical ambiance while there are few tourists who visit during this time of day. Return to the hotel in the late morning for leisure time.

In the evening, enjoy dinner at Cuisine Wat Damnak by chef Joannes Riviere. The restaurant is housed in a traditional Cambodian wooden house and recently rated as one of the Top 50 Asia Restaurants. The set menus change every two weeks based on what’s in season. It is one of the best restaurants in Siem Reap in terms of food quality.

Accommodation: Shinta Mani Villa – Bensley Collection

Day 16: Siem Reap – Bangkok | Flight to Bangkok

Internal Flight: Included
Meals: Breakfast
Today, you’ll take a flight to Bangkok. Upon arrival, one of the airport staff will greet you with a signboard and you’ll proceed through the immigration fast lane. After gathering your luggage, you’ll be brought to our guide and transfer to the hotel for check-in and leisure.

Accommodation: The Peninsula Bangkok

Day 17: Bangkok | Bangkok by Boat | Afternoon Leisure | Dinner at Bo.Lan

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
In the early morning, take a traditional long-tail boat to Wat Arun – the Temple of the Dawn to enjoy a stunning view and explore the gem of Bangkok.

Continue to one of the must-see sights, the spectacular Grand Palace, undoubtedly the city’s most famous landmark. Built in 1782- and for 150 years the home of the Thai King, the Royal court and the administrative seat of government – the Grand Palace of Bangkok is a grand old dame indeed, that continues to have visitors in awe with its beautiful architecture and intricate detail, all of which is a proud salute to the creativity and craftsmanship of Thai people.

The Grand Palace –  23 Days Exploring Vietnam Cambodia Thailand Elephant Sanctuary

Within its walls were also the Thai war ministry, state departments, and even the mint. Today, the complex remains the spiritual heart of the Thai Kingdom. Within the palace complex are several impressive buildings including Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), which contains the small, very famous and greatly revered Emerald Buddha that dates back to the 14th century. The robes on the Buddha are changed with the seasons by HM The King of Thailand and forms an important ritual in the Buddhist calendar. Thai Kings stopped living in the palace around the turn of the twentieth century, but the palace complex is still used to mark all kinds of other ceremonial and auspicious happenings. Then return to the hotel for some leisure time in the afternoon.

Dinner at Bo. Lan

Tonight you’ll experience a one-star Michelin restaurant, also rated in Asia’s Top 50 Best Restaurants: Bo.Lan. The chefs Duangporn ‘Bo’ Songvisava and Australian Dylan ‘Lan’ Jones, a married pair, prepare refined cuisine suited for Thai royalty. You’ll be introduced to five ‘essential’ dishes and possibly more, depending on the season.

Accommodation: The Peninsula Bangkok

Day 18: Bangkok | Leisure Day | Dinner at Sorn

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Morning and afternoon are at your leisure to enjoy the resort facilities or explore on your own. A chauffeur and vehicle will be on standby for you.

Tonight you’ll visit a 2-Star Michelin restaurant which also is rated in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants for 2019 – Sorn Restaurant. What is unique about this restaurant is that, unlike many Thai fine dining fares in Bangkok who focus on ancient recipes of the royalty, Sorn brings to life the best dishes and flavors of Southern Thailand. With slow-cooked dishes, and elaborate preparation, chefs Khun Ice and Yod bring you the best memories of their childhood.

Accommodation: The Peninsula Bangkok

Day 19: Bangkok – Chiang Mai | Flight to Chiang Mai | Dinner at David’s Kitchen

Internal Flight: Included
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Today, you’ll take a flight to Chiang Mai. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel for check-in.

In the evening, you’ll transfer to David’s Kitchen for a set menu of modern French cuisine.
Accommodation: 137 Pillar House

Day 20: Chiang Mai | Elephant Sanctuary Experience | Massage and Night Markets

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Today, you will visit an elephant sanctuary in the jungles near Chiang Mai. First, you’ll learn about the project and hear the amazing stories of each rescued and orphaned elephant. You will have an elephant just under both of your care for the day-with the mahout (elephant guide) to help you learn about your elephant and get acclimated with their behavior and personality. Learn how she became free from abuse and misuse. You’ll be shown how to approach your elephant, what spoken commands she respond to, how to read her body language, and how to check her health. Then have an opportunity to feed her. The mahout will also show you how to ride on her neck(no heavy howdah seats are used) or you can walk alongside your elephant if you prefer.

Continue to the nearby river. Here you will have the opportunity to observe or participate in bathing the elephants with the sanctuary staff. The sanctuary has a photographer who will capture these moments in high quality for you throughout the day and provide you a CD of the experience. Next, enjoy a picnic spread.

After you have said your farewells, return back to the hotel for some leisure time.

Traditional Thai Massage

Chiang Mai is known for its legendary “Siam Lanna” massage techniques dating back to the Lanna Kingdom. In the late afternoon, you’ll enjoy a royal relaxation treatment at the top-rated spa in Chiang Mai. Transfer to Zira Spa – an award-winning spa inside a beautiful Lanna-style refurbished mansion. You’ll enjoy your choice of either an aromatherapy massage(oil) or a traditional massage(non-oil) for 1 hour. Continue to the night markets to explore the interesting curios, trinkets, silks, and jewelry created by the hill tribes in the surrounding highlands. Return back to the hotel for leisure and overnight.

Bangkok Night Market – 23 Days Exploring Vietnam Cambodia Thailand Elephant Sanctuary

Accommodation: 137 Pillar House

Day 21: Chiang Mai | Thai Culinary Class

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Today, you’ll join a culinary experience with a Thai chef. The school is run by Sompon Nabnian, a Chiang Mai culinary legend who has been featured on National Geographic and the Travel Channel. Start the class with a visit to the local market where Thai people buy groceries. The chef will be keen to teach you how to identify various products and what to pick. You’ll learn about many new vegetables and spices. Then, with the ingredients you’ll need in hand, continue to a Thai pavilion where the class will commence. You’ll have your own station and cooking utensils. The chef will show you how to prepare several dishes and oversee your work providing tips along the way. Then it’s time to enjoy your creation! After saying goodbyes, return back to your hotel for leisure time.

Accommodation: 137 Pillar House

Day 22: Chiang Mai | Local H’mong Hill Tribe Visit | Sunset Dinner by Design

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
In the morning, visit Wat Prathat Doi Suthep Temple perched on Suthep mountain. Every Temple with a name starting with Wat Prathat contains Buddhist relics and is considered sacred to adherents. Climb around 300 steps to reach the temple. On the way, ring some of the temple bells, if you like. The temple has a set of impressive murals picturing scenes from the life and teachings of Buddha. Our guide will elaborate on some of the history and stories as you explore the temple compound. Continue off the beaten path to a Meo hill tribe village. Have the opportunity to see their unique apparel and simple way of living. Meo families take a great deal of pride in their herbal gardens. After seeing their home and making a new friend, return back to Chiang Mai. The afternoon is at your leisure.

Finish with a flare. Private dining next to the Ping River with a Northern Thai Khan Toke infused set menu. Enjoy traditional Lanna dishes such as Raum Aharn Nau(Grilled Chiang Mai sausage), Gai Neung(Steamed Chicken basted with lemongrass, turmeric, and other spices), Pla Samun Prai(Crispy red tilapia fillets with Northern Thai herbs and spices), Kalamare(Northern Thai Caramel) and more. After you’ve enjoyed the evening out, we’ll return you to the hotel for overnight.

Accommodation: 137 Pillar House

Day 23: Chiang Mai | Farewell!

Meals: Breakfast
Today, our guide will transfer you to the airport to catch your flight back home and to bid you a fond farewell. Thank you for traveling with us!

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